Miami Dolphins WR Legedu Naanee Making Case For Starting Spot

By Max Luckan

After trading away Brandon Marshall, the Miami Dolphins were left with few options at wide receiver this off-season. However, the Dolphins made some moves, and even a surprising one with the signing of Legedu Naanee. Of course, the signing of Chad Ochocinco overshadows Naanee, but Naanee could end up being a starter in 2012 for Miami.

Naanee signed a one-year deal on April 17 with the Dolphins. The deal was worth $765,000, according to a source, which means it’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Dolphins. Naanee came over from the Carolina Panthers, where he played relatively well, but also ended up being injured. In 2011, Naanee had 44 receptions for 467 yards and one touchdown, while playing alongside the explosive Steve Smith.

The 28-year-old receiver recently joined the Dolphins and has been a pleasant surprise. “I think the best part about Legedu (Naanee) as far as the Dolphins were concerned, is that they didn’t have a great idea of how he would perform because he was hurt last year, and the staff is all new,” his agent, David Canter, said. “From everything I’ve been told, he’s far exceeded their expectations and they are excited about seeing him in camp,” Canter added.

So far, Naanee has been running with the starters, and the coaches have told his agent that he’s been one of the best players at the wide receiver position. Of course, training camp will be Naanee’s real opportunity to prove that he can be a starter on the Dolphins. Now that Ochocinco is a part of the team, that task will only be tougher, but it seems like Naanee is definitely up for the challenge and enjoys the competition.

As we inch closer to training camp, we’ll begin to see the starters filling into their role, and don’t be surprised if Legedu Naanee is in possession of one of those starting spots at the start of the 2012 regular season.